Education Week contributing writer Bryan Toporek brings you K-12 sports coverage that reaches far beyond box scores. He has written about education for Education Week and Education Week Teacher, high school sports for the Falls Church News-Press in Virginia, and is currently a Quality Editor for Bleacher Report.

Paralyzed Teen Athlete Lands ESPN Host Michelle Beadle as Prom Date

A former Minnesota high school hockey player who was left paralyzed after severing his spinal cord during a game in late 2011 will be the star of his prom this spring.

Jack Jablonski, who co-hosts Hockey Night in Minnesota on Sports Radio 105 the Ticket, had ESPN host Michelle Beadle as a guest on the show this past Wednesday. Before diving into some sports-related interview topics, the Benilde-St. Margaret's senior had one critical question to ask first: Would Beadle accompany him to his prom?

"Get out!," Beadle responded. "Seriously? I would love it...but, oh my God, could I wear an '80s dress to prom?"

The SportsNation host did set one ground rule quickly after accepting the invite.

"And no alcoholic beverages, Jack," she warned. "I will be watching everything."

After a few minutes of prom-related discussions, Jack attempted to get the interview back on track, asking Beadle about her transition back to ESPN after a two-year stint at NBC. His co-hosts, however, quickly turned the conversation back to their upcoming prom date, frequently referencing how red Jack was turning from embarrassment.

After the interview, she shared her thoughts on the prom invite with Larry Brown Sports, noting that she had known Jack via Twitter for the last few years.

"I know that he's a badass and someone I look up to immensely," Beadle wrote in an email. "I was shocked when he asked today. And I adore him for doing it live on the radio. I'm honored to squeeze my 38 year old behind into a formal gown for a great night!"

And thus, on Saturday, April 26, Beadle will make her way to Minnesota to accompany Jack to his high school prom. Time will tell whether he comes through on the cactus corsage she requested.

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